It can be difficult preparing for an interview. You can do your due diligence and research the employer, but it’s not always easy to predict what sort of questions you may be asked.
Here, we attempt to do just that, as we list the top 5 most common questions asked at healthcare interviews, and detail how to answer them.
1. Why did you choose to go into healthcare?
With this question, the employer is trying to find out what your motivations are. A career in the healthcare sector can be demanding, so they want to ensure that you have a genuine passion for the work.
Sharing a personal anecdote is an excellent way of doing this.
Did you have to provide care for a family member? Was there a care worker that looked after a loved one that inspired you?
This will allow you to show your human side, while also showing your commitment to the job.
2. What Do You See as the Biggest Challenge Facing the Healthcare Sector today?
In a sector that changes at a rapid pace, this question is designed to help employers find out whether you stay up to date with the latest information.
As long as you are keeping up with the latest changes, there likely will not be a right or wrong answer to this question.
When answering, try to tie it in to your own experiences and include a solution or workaround to the issue you have come up with yourself, if there is one.
3. What is Your Proudest Moment in Your Career So Far?
This is a good opportunity to demonstrate the passion you have for your work.
As much as care work can require clinical knowledge and experience, tending to emotional and mental requirements your service users may have is just as important.
Thinking of a scenario where you went above and beyond for a service user will show you’re willing to go the extra mile to ensure they receive the care they need, and not just provide the bare minimum.
4. How Do You Deal with Communicating Bad News?
This question is designed to find out more about your interpersonal skills, and how you relay difficult news with compassion and tact.
In your answer, you’ll want to show that you have a clear process that you follow and describe any methods you have for doing so sensitively, but honestly.
5. How Do You Manage Your Time?
Working in care can be intense and fast paced. With this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge your organisational skills and how you respond to unplanned scenarios, while also completing your regular tasks.
Again, recounting a specific situation from your current or previous job (while leaving out sensitive details) is a great way to answer this question.
In your answer, be sure to highlight your ability to prioritise your tasks. Was there anything time sensitive that needed delegating? How did you ensure all service users still felt cared for, while also dealing with the new situation?
This question is also a test of your personality and how you deal with his stress situations, so it’s important to answer this question in a positive manner and avoid any negative comments
What We Can Do For You
At Care First UK, we have been helping people find their perfect job since 2015.
With experience in recruitment but also healthcare at a provider level, we know what it takes to work in care, and can help you with CV writing, as well as interview preparation.
If you’re looking for a new role or to being your career in care, contact us today by emailing recruitment@carefirstuk.co.uk, or call us on 01202 854777.
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